Will Duterte Be Exempt from an Arrest Warrant? Could Senator Bato’s Actions with Senator Zubiri Be Repeated for Duterte?

The political landscape in the Philippines has once again been shaken by questions surrounding the legal proceedings against former President Rodrigo Duterte, specifically regarding the possibility of an arrest warrant being issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes related to his infamous war on drugs. As the legal battle continues to unfold, the question arises: will Duterte be treated differently from others involved in similar cases, and can he expect the same protective measures that Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa received?

The Background of the ICC Investigation

The ICC’s investigation into Duterte’s “war on drugs” gained significant traction after the former president’s controversial policies led to thousands of extrajudicial killings. Human rights groups have long condemned these actions as violations of international law, while Duterte’s supporters argue that the campaign was a necessary measure to combat rampant drug abuse in the country. Despite the Philippines withdrawing from the ICC in 2019, the court has maintained jurisdiction over crimes committed while the country was still a member, thus continuing its inquiry into Duterte’s role in the deaths of thousands during his administration.

Now, as Duterte faces the potential for an arrest warrant, the question lingers: could he be afforded a different treatment than other high-profile figures, including Senator Dela Rosa?

Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s Case: The Precedent

Senator Dela Rosa, a staunch ally of Duterte and former head of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has been implicated in the war on drugs due to his role in overseeing the PNP’s operations during the administration’s crackdown. Given his significant position in Philippine politics, Dela Rosa requested the Senate’s protection, arguing that the international legal processes against him were politically motivated.

In response to his concerns, Senate President Miguel Zubiri and other members of the Senate pledged to provide him with protection, as is customary for lawmakers facing legal issues. This move raised the question of whether Dela Rosa’s political stature would lead to preferential treatment in the eyes of both the national and international legal systems.

Dela Rosa’s case opened up the debate about the influence of political power on legal proceedings, especially for figures associated with controversial policies. His request for Senate protection and Zubiri’s support signaled to many that, in the Philippines, political alliances could play a crucial role in shaping how legal cases unfold.

Could Duterte Expect the Same Treatment?

The possibility that Duterte might receive similar protection is one that is being closely monitored. As a former president with substantial political influence, he has a network of loyal allies, many of whom are currently in positions of power in the Philippine government. However, the dynamics surrounding Duterte’s case are different, given his status as a former head of state and the international focus on his alleged violations.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Duterte’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations worldwide. His stance against the ICC’s jurisdiction has been unwavering, yet the growing scrutiny from both national and international watchdogs leaves the former president in a precarious position. If the ICC moves forward with an arrest warrant, it remains to be seen how Philippine authorities will respond, and whether Duterte’s political allies will continue to offer the same level of protection as they did for Dela Rosa.

Given Duterte’s legacy and his controversial policies, his case is likely to be treated with even more caution, particularly as the international community watches closely. The perception of double standards, where political elites may avoid accountability, could have serious implications for the rule of law in the Philippines.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The idea of providing political protection to a public official facing international legal charges raises serious questions about the integrity of the judicial system. While lawmakers have the right to seek legal protection, it should never come at the expense of justice or accountability. Allowing political figures to use their influence to evade legal consequences undermines the very purpose of international courts like the ICC — to ensure that those who commit grave human rights violations are held accountable, regardless of their power or position.

If Duterte were to receive the same type of preferential treatment as Senator Dela Rosa, it could set a dangerous precedent, not only for the Philippines but also for the global community. Such an outcome would further erode trust in the legal system and highlight the need for stronger international frameworks that prevent political influence from interfering with justice.

Public Perception and the Role of the Senate

The Senate, as a body, has a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, even if it means protecting the rights of individuals accused of serious crimes. While it is within their power to offer legal support to senators and other public officials, this should never extend to enabling impunity or evading accountability. The public’s perception of how the Senate handles such matters will be crucial in determining whether the institution remains respected in the eyes of the Filipino people.

It is crucial that the Senate, as well as the judiciary, be transparent and impartial when dealing with cases involving high-ranking officials. This is the only way to ensure that public trust in the legal system is maintained, and that justice is served without fear or favor.

Conclusion

As the ICC continues its investigation into Duterte’s role in the war on drugs, the question of whether he will receive special treatment remains an important one. While there are strong political and personal connections that could offer Duterte the same protection that Senator Dela Rosa has received, it is vital that these protections do not interfere with the pursuit of justice.

For the rule of law to be upheld in the Philippines, the nation’s leaders must ensure that accountability is applied equally, regardless of political power or influence. The international community will be watching closely as Duterte’s case progresses, and the actions taken by the Philippine government in response will serve as a critical test of the nation’s commitment to justice and human rights.

As the legal battle continues, both Duterte’s supporters and critics alike will be closely monitoring how the Senate and the ICC handle the situation, and whether political alliances or the pursuit of justice will ultimately prevail.